Online Academic Advisor

Unit: Student Success Administration

Department: Office of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success

Department Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Online Student Success Advisor to join the Online Student Success unit. This position plays a crucial role in supporting students entering VCU's online undergraduate and graduate programs by connecting them with online resources, identifying potential challenges, and assisting with academic planning. The Online Success Advisor helps students understand and effectively utilize the Bulletin, Major Maps, and Degree Works to facilitate a clear understanding of their online program.

While working remotely, this position serves as the advisor and resource for an assigned caseload within the unit, collaborating with campus partners and departments to identify barriers and facilitate a supportive transition for admitted online students.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Academic Advising:

• Engages with online students to provide one-on-one guidance and academic advising from the start of the admitted process and through the online student's time at VCU.
• Identifies and reaffirms students' educational goals while sharing course and program information throughout the student's journey.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role of advising in supporting the VCU mission and the ability to work with diverse online student populations from all backgrounds and experiences.
• Serves as Online Student Success Advisor for online students, effectively managing a caseload and maintaining accurate records, including advising interactions.
• Interprets and effectively uses advising information on Slate, eServices, Degree Works, and the Navigate Student Success Management Tool.
• Communicates collaboratively with students and campus partners to facilitate academic development, planning, and goal achievement.
• Refers students to appropriate university resources (e.g., Campus Learning Center, University Counseling, Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity, Career Services, Student Financial Management Center).
• Utilizes multiple methods of remote communication (e.g., phone, email, instant messaging, Zoom) to maintain consistent and timely engagement.
• Assists with academic advising and organizes required documentation to ensure online students successfully complete orientation and meet program requirements.
• Acts as a resource regarding university policies and procedures.
• Supports Online Student Success with orientation and new student advising initiatives, attends departmental and program partner meetings regularly to maintain advising knowledge and collaboration between units.

Cross-Campus

Collaboration:

• Collaborates with university partners on matters impacting student recruitment, enrollment, success, and retention, and supports departmental and university retention initiatives
• Participates in recruitment activities, including online prospective online student and admitted student events.
• Partners with VCU Online leaders (admissions, registrar, financial aid, etc.) to implement programs and initiatives
• Conducts Navigate Enrollment Campaigns for Fall and Spring retention initiatives, collaborates with advising partners on messaging and participation.
• Assists with the planning and coordination of workshops and programming under the leadership of the Assistant Director.
• Participates in and provides feedback on training and professional development activities.

Teaching:

• Teach an online Student Success course designed to help students learn how to manage the online college experience, navigate the University, make informed decisions, engage in strategic career planning, and assume responsibility for their academic success.

Other Position Details:

• This position will be 100% remote, with opportunity for on-campus work if interested.
• This position is open to VCU internal applicants only.
• This position is currently being funded with soft-funds and continued employment is dependent upon continued funding, no challenges with future funding are anticipated.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a current VCU Employee
• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Two years of full-time experience as an academic advisor in a college or university setting.
• One year of full-time academic advising experience at VCU.
• Understanding of departmental, college, and university policies and procedures; programs of study, and the development of appropriate academic plans.
• In-depth knowledge and experience utilizing advising platforms and CRM tools (e.g., Banner, Navigate, Degree Works, Student Educational Planner).
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and stay organized during peak workflow times.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so…